Journalist: Liverpool’s Midfield Star Is Struggling To Hit Key Targets | OneFootball

Dominik Szoboszlai: Key to Arne Slot’s Liverpool Revolution?

Andy Robertson’s pinpoint cross seemed destined to be the moment Dominik Szoboszlai’s goalscoring drought ended. The Hungarian’s perfectly timed run and clean strike were met with a remarkable save from Sam Johnstone, leaving Liverpool fans in disbelief as the ball flew out for a corner.

This wasn’t just another missed chance for Szoboszlai—it was another example of a growing sense of frustration surrounding his role and output in Arne Slot’s Liverpool system. As Andy Jones highlighted in his article for The Athletic, Szoboszlai’s performance divides opinion among the Anfield faithful. But is the criticism justified, or is it simply a case of growing pains in a newly defined role?

Szoboszlai’s Evolving Role Under Arne Slot

When Arne Slot took over from Jürgen Klopp in May 2024, there was an understanding that his system would bring some changes to Liverpool’s setup. One of the biggest shifts has been Szoboszlai’s role, as he transitioned from the deeper No 8 position under Klopp to a more advanced No 10 role.

This move comes with heightened expectations, especially in terms of Szoboszlai’s contributions to goals and creativity. While Slot praised Szoboszlai’s technical ability and work ethic, he also set a clear challenge: “Last season he scored three (league goals) and for an attacking midfielder at Liverpool, his numbers need to go up.”

Photo: IMAGO

Szoboszlai accepted the challenge, even setting an ambitious personal target: “I set the bar even higher (than 10 goals and 10 assists). I told myself, 25. It doesn’t matter how many goals and assists specifically, I just want 25. But if it will be only 20, I will sign the paper right now.”

For a player with such clear talent and a desire to improve, why does it feel like Szoboszlai has not fully reached his potential?

The Numbers Behind Szoboszlai’s Performances

Statistics can often provide clarity, but they can also be misleading. Szoboszlai’s output this season—one goal and one assist—has left some fans questioning whether he’s making enough of an impact. But as Jones points out, Szoboszlai’s influence goes beyond the basic metrics.

Szoboszlai has created 10 chances from open play this season, only behind Mohamed Salah (14) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (11) in the Liverpool squad. When compared to his Premier League peers, he’s in the upper echelon, with only five players—Dejan Kulusevski, Cole Palmer, Bernardo Silva, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Jack Grealish—creating more.

Photo: IMAGO

Yet, despite this, his expected assists (0.75) suggest that the chances he’s creating are not high-value. It’s a curious case: Szoboszlai is heavily involved in Liverpool’s attacking transitions but isn’t yet turning those moments into clear-cut opportunities or goals. As Jones notes, “his decision-making, especially when breaking forward in transition,” has let him down on multiple occasions.

A prime example came against Wolves when Szoboszlai found himself in a four-versus-two situation. Instead of delivering the killer pass, a moment of hesitation led to poor execution, and the chance fizzled out.

Szoboszlai’s Frustrating Inconsistencies

Szoboszlai is an enigma for Liverpool fans. He combines technical ability, athleticism, and a 6ft 1in frame that makes him ideal for Slot’s pressing and transitional style. Few players in world football can match Szoboszlai’s engine, as he tirelessly leads the press from the front and then drops back to support his midfield. But this work rate can sometimes come at a cost.

His physical exertions off the ball may explain his occasional lapses in touch or decision-making. A tired mind and body are more prone to errors, and Szoboszlai’s performances have been riddled with small but costly mistakes. From missed chances to misplaced passes, these moments frustrate supporters who know the heights Szoboszlai can reach.

Yet, there is no denying the talent Szoboszlai possesses. His performances early last season were outstanding, and as Jones mentions, they may have “set the bar too high.” After returning from a hamstring injury, Szoboszlai’s form dipped, and he struggled to rediscover his previous level of play. The question is whether this is simply a rough patch or something more systemic.

Can Szoboszlai Find Consistency?

For Szoboszlai to truly excel in Slot’s Liverpool side, consistency will be key. His running power and ability to break into the box—like he did for his goal against AC Milan—are essential to how Slot’s system functions. But those moments need to become more frequent.

Photo: IMAGO

Szoboszlai’s only league goal came against Milan, where he started a counter-attack and surged into the box to finish it off. It was the perfect example of what he is capable of, and fans want to see more of it. However, his other performances have been less convincing. Against Nottingham Forest, in Liverpool’s only league defeat this season, Szoboszlai struggled to make an impact, leaving fans hoping for more.

With Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch putting in strong performances, Szoboszlai may find his position under threat. But Slot has shown faith in him, understanding that Szoboszlai’s profile is crucial to the team’s style of play. With Harvey Elliott currently sidelined, Szoboszlai has an opportunity to cement his place as Liverpool’s primary No 10.

As he approaches his 24th birthday, Szoboszlai is entering a pivotal stage of his career. Slot’s demands on his midfielders are high, and while Szoboszlai has the physical attributes and technical quality, the challenge is to channel that into consistent productivity.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From an expectant Liverpool fan’s perspective, there’s an undeniable sense of impatience surrounding Dominik Szoboszlai’s performances this season. Fans recognise the talent—after all, Szoboszlai’s blend of power, pace, and technical ability is a rare commodity. But when a player comes with a hefty price tag and is entrusted with the creative reins, supporters naturally want results.

Szoboszlai’s early form last season was electric, and in many ways, it heightened expectations to perhaps unrealistic levels. But Liverpool fans aren’t just focused on flashes of brilliance. They’re looking for consistency, especially from someone who occupies such a crucial attacking role in Arne Slot’s system.

The frustrating part for fans isn’t just the missed chances or misplaced passes—it’s that Szoboszlai is clearly capable of more. They’ve seen him deliver in high-pressure moments, like his goal against AC Milan, and they know he has the quality to do it again. But the feeling remains that Szoboszlai is holding something back, whether it’s due to fatigue, decision-making issues, or simply adjusting to his new role.

Liverpool supporters, as passionate as ever, will back Szoboszlai. They understand that Slot’s system is demanding and that Szoboszlai has a unique set of skills that make him indispensable. But patience only lasts so long, and with Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch pushing for more minutes, Szoboszlai needs to start converting potential into consistent output.

For Szoboszlai, this season isn’t just about meeting his personal target of 25 goal contributions—it’s about proving to the Anfield faithful that he is the key to Liverpool’s future success under Slot.